UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
THE EVALUATION OF RADIATION PROTECTION PROCEDURES OF PEDIATRIC
PATIENTS EXPOSED TO IONIZING RADIATION IN DIAGNOSTIC AND
THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
A Multi-Center Study in selected hospitals in southwest Nigeria.
Instructions: Please answer the following questions based on your experience regarding the
awareness and practices of radiographers in ensuring radiation protection for pediatric patients
exposed to ionizing radiation. These questions aim to capture a detailed profile of
radiographers' awareness, attitudes, practices and the challenges faced in ensuring pediatric
radiation protection and safety during diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHICS INFORMATION
1. What is your age? Under 25[ ] 25-34 [ ] 35-44 [ ] 45-54 [ ] 55 or older [
]
2. What is your gender? Male [ ] Female [ ] ] Other [ ]
3. What is your highest level of education? Diploma [ ] Bachelor’s Degree [ ]
Master’s Degree [ ] Doctorate [ ] other [ ]
4. How many years have you worked as a radiographer? Less than 1 year [ ] 1-5 years
[ ] 6-10 years [ ] 11-20 years [ ] 20+ years [ ]
5. Have you received formal training in radiation protection? Yes [ ] No [ ] In
progress [
6. In what type of healthcare facility do you work? General Hospital [ ] Teaching
Hospital [ ] Private Clinic [ ] Specialized Pediatric Hospital [ ] Other
(Specify) _______________
7. How often do you work with pediatric patients requiring radiation exposure? Daily [ ]
Weekly [ ] Monthly [ ] Rarely [ ] Never [ ]
8. State/ hospital of research _________________________
SECTION B: KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF RADIATION PROTECTION
1. How familiar are you with the concept of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)?
Not familiar [ ] Slightly familiar[ ] Moderately familiar[ ] Very familiar [ ]
2. Which of the following is the main purpose of radiation protection in pediatric imaging?
To protect staff [ ] To minimize exposure to non-essential personnel[ ]
To reduce exposure to the pediatric patient [ ] All of the above [ ]
3. How would you rate your understanding of pediatric-specific radiation dose limits?
Poor [ ] Fair[ ] Good[ ] Excellent [ ]
4. Which of the following body organs in pediatric patients are most sensitive to radiation
exposure? Thyroid [ ] Bone Marrow[ ] Brain[ ] Skin[ ] All of the above [ ]
5. How often do you consult guidelines or protocols for pediatric radiation protection?
Always [ ] Often[ ] Sometimes[ ] Rarely[ ] Never [ ]
6. How often do you refer to patient-specific factors (such as age and weight) before
deciding on radiation exposure? Always [ ] Often[ ] Sometimes[ ] Never [ ]
7. which pediatric age groups require specific dose considerations?
Neonates (0–1 month) [ ] Infants (1 month–1 year) [ ] Toddlers (1–3 years) [ ]
Preschool children (3–5 years) [ ] School-age children (5–12 years) [ ]
Adolescents (12–18 years) [ ]
8. Do you feel confident in your ability to protect pediatric patients from unnecessary
radiation? Yes [ ] No [ ]
9. If yes, Give reason _____________________________________________
SECTION C: PRACTICE OF RADIATION PROTECTION IN PEDIATRIC EXPOSURE
YES NO SOMETIMES NOT
SURE
Are you aware of the specific risks of ionizing radiation exposure for children?
Do you know the recommended minimum age for different imaging procedures
involving ionizing radiation?
Do you know the cumulative effects of repeated radiation exposure in children?
Are you familiar with the international standards (e.g ICRP, NCRP) for pediatric
radiation protection
Do you always use lead-apron for pediatric patients during imaging?
Are you involved in regularly updating radiation protection protocols in your
facility?
Do you double-check settings to ensure the lowest possible dose for pediatric
patients?
Do you often use protective barriers (e.g. lead aprons) during pediatric imaging?
Have you encountered situations where pediatric radiation protection was
challenging to implement?
Do you perform routine quality checks on imaging equipment to ensure
appropriate doses?
SECTION D: ATTITUDES TOWARD RADIATION PROTECTION
YES NO SOMETIMES NOT
SURE
Do you believe radiation protection is a high priority in pediatric imaging?
Do you believe the current radiation protection protocols in your facility for
pediatric patients are adequate?
Do you think that current training for radiographers on pediatric radiation
protection is sufficient?
Do you think pediatric radiation protection measures impact the quality of
patient care?
In your facility is there a protocol to minimize repeat exposures for pediatric
patients?
SECTION E: COMPLIANCE AND BARRIERS
YES NO SOMETIMES NOT
SURE
Have you ever felt pressured to bypass radiation protection protocols for
efficiency?
If yes, does this often occur?
Do you believe standardized protocols for pediatric imaging are effectively
implemented in your facility?
Does your facility provide enough resources for effective radiation protection in
pediatric imaging?
Are there situations where pediatric radiation protection guidelines are not strictly
followed?
Do you feel that management supports radiographers in prioritizing pediatric
radiation protection?
How often are you able to fully implement radiation protection protocols for
pediatric patients?
SECTION F: MEASURES TO ACHIEVE OPTIMIZATION OF PROTECTION
YES NO SOMETIMES NOT
SURE
Do you regularly update your knowledge about pediatric radiation protection
techniques through workshops or courses?
Are protocols in your department regularly reviewed and updated to optimize
pediatric radiation protection?
Are dose-monitoring tools used routinely in your department to ensure optimal
radiation protection?
How often do you utilize advanced imaging techniques (e.g., DRLs, automated
exposure controls) to minimize radiation exposure?
Do you participate in regular quality assurance (QA) programs for radiographic
equipment in your workplace?
Are specific guidelines provided for using shielding in different pediatric imaging
scenarios?
Is there a routine evaluation of staff compliance with radiation protection
measures?
Do you use pediatric-specific imaging equipment or accessories to optimize
protection?
How do you ensure accurate patient positioning to minimize the need for repeated
exposures?
Do you engage in peer reviews or audits to assess the effectiveness of radiation
protection practices in your facility?
Are simulations or role-play sessions conducted in your department to improve
staff responses to pediatric imaging challenges?
Are parents and patients educated about radiation risks and protection measures
before pediatric imaging procedures?
